A comparison of pet and purpose-bred research dog (Canis familiaris) performance on human-guided object-choice tasks

摘要: Several studies have shown that domestic dogs respond to human social cues such as pointing. Some experiments pet outperformed wolves in following a momentary distal point. These findings lent support the hypothesis domestication is responsible for dogs' ability utilize gestures. Other demonstrating comparable performance human-socialized suggest this skill depends on experience with relevant stimuli. However, lacking thorough exposure humans are underrepresented comparative literature. The goal of study was evaluate and kennel-reared research their follow two types point an object-choice task. This used young adult, intact male (n=11) comparison group living homes (n=9). We found while followed above chance levels, did not. Both groups simpler dynamic proximal point; however, Our results indicate ontogenetic experiences may influence dog's use gestures, highlighting importance testing different sub-populations dogs.